gowalking

I swim laps and do Water aerobics at the Y and have been since before my surgery. Believe me when I say that no one is looking at you. Really. If anything, they are glad to see you making the attempt. We have a few morbidly obese people in the water aerobics classes and no one looks or says anything negative. If that's not enough to convince you, I've seen people wearing shorts and tank tops in the water either over or instead of bathing suits.

If one is being starved, of course hunger is present. For many of us, that's not the issue as much as why we cannot eat till we are no longer hungry but till we are stuffed. My problem was eating too many carbs. I ate enormous amounts of carbs prior to being banded. I could easily consume a half a box of Pasta if not more. That's half a pound of pasta uncooked..which means more than a pound after cooking. Same with rice, bread, potato... These days I eat a fraction of that but there are times when I know I could eat more. That's when I have to make myself stop. Not the band, but me. I don't know that this study addresses eating when you aren't necessarily hungry. For me, that's a bigger issue.

Now that would seal the deal for me!!

We probably should start a Bandsters #7 Debbie. This one has been going for more than a year. I'm not sure where the prior threads are...I started when we were on Bandsters #3 or 4 I think. I doubt if CG will start the new thread, but I'm good with you starting the new one and letting the folks who follow this one know that we've moved over. Or if you want me to start it, I'm fine with that. Liz

So glad to hear from you Dan. I knew you were having the knee replacements obviously as we've talked about it with my hips being replaced but I was hoping all was well as I didn't see you on the boards. It takes time as you now know to get those new joints up and running. Especially as we often wait till things are really bad before replacing them. Here's my big news in case you missed it. I made it to London and had a wonderful time. I walked for miles and miles...I even biked through the city on a tour. This was a trip I never thought I'd make and wanted to do for the longest time. If not for the lapband and the hip surgery, I would have stayed on the sidelines of life instead of being an active member again. I am grateful beyond words. Welcome back!! Liz

I recently went into an exclusive relationship after being uninvolved with anyone for many many years. Let me tell you...sex when you are thinner and more 'flexible' is terrific.

Was in the Pocono mountains with my kids and the grandbaby. We saw the moon also and it was spectacular...it was red like the sun.

Ah that smile says it all. So very happy for you! I love these kind of posts.

Nope. It's not normal. Your mom needs to get to her surgeon to find out if she has had another slip or if she is too tight. The only thing I'm wondering about though, is the nuts. Everything else she's eating is soft foods...but nuts can, and do get stuck if they're not chewed really really well. You should insist that she go to the doctor to find out what's going on.

I was in Astoria a couple of weeks ago. I've got a good friend who lives there. I'm in the city and Lisa is on Long Island. We hope to have a date shortly for the Autumn Support Group meeting. We'll put it out on BP once we have a date and location.

I see my bariatric surgeon at every appointment. I've never seen a PA. Same thing for the orthopaedic surgeon who did my hip replacements.

Welcome! Hope you can make it to the next face to face support group that Lisa and I co-lead.

I've been wondering how things were going. Wishing you and Dave all the best.

Well, that's just rude and unprofessional. You should let the insurance company know this along with the other doctors in the practice.

Lots of food addicts here, myself included. As others have said, surgery will not help with the addiction. You will have to work on changing the behaviors. For me...success bred more success. Once I got going, it was fairly easy. Maintenance I find is more challenging. Plus I have a propensity for self sabotage..which I'm working on with a therapist. Good luck..and good for you for knowing the weight does not simply fall off. You still have to work it big time.

When I was dating, I always offered to split the check though I never had any gentleman agree to take my money. I'm now in an exclusive relationship and we both pay for things though I will admit he pays more times than I do. He doesn't feel it should be 50/50 as he is the man and I know he 'lets' me pay for some things because it makes me feel better to put my hand in my pocket. In my opinion...and it's just my opinion...you pay the first time you meet a woman. Then you can go from there but don't let her pay for anything even if it's just a coffee date.

I live in NYC, but am in Aventura several times during the year as my folks live there. Let me know if you decide to get together and if I'm down your way, would love to meet up.

My situation was the death of my spouse but I understand you when you say you are sick of being in pain and afraid. So was I my friend. We try all kinds of things to fast track grief but unfortunately, if you don't experience it however you have to, you will not be able to accept it and move forward in a healthy manner. For all intents and purposes, you are going through the death of your marriage. You will have to mourn and grieve and it will take time. Work with a therapist who will help you navigate this emotional minefield. I did and I don't know if I would have made it without her. Know that some wounds cut so deep that the scar remains no matter what. I didn't date for 15 years because I was afraid of losing someone I loved again. I finally got up the strength to try to let someone in my life and while I'm in a relationship now, I still fear the loss. It will always be there. Your pain may always be there as well. You will just have to learn to live with it and not let it define you. Hugs to you and wishing you only the best in this long and difficult journey you face. Try to remember that she sounds like a wonderful person who might evolve into a great friend one day. If not, at least you are a better man for having had her in your life.

Not a single one. I've been banded 2 1/2 years so ask me again next year, or the year after but at this moment...well...you look at the pictures and tell me if I look like I have regrets.

you bet your sweet bippy it's work. I tried casual dating as well and it's not for me. I am trying to make sure I am liking the man I'm now exclusive with instead of being 'in love' with 'being in love' if you get my drift. So far, we have alot in common and I enjoy his company. There's also stuff we do not have in common and I plan on trying new things, but not doing things I don't enjoy. I'm too old and jaded for that. So far, it's working but had I not met this guy, I might be right behind you when it comes to the online dating. It's not fun...the idea is to get through as many crappy or boring dates as possible in the hopes of finding a gem among the rocks and debris. Sounds like your plan will work for you so I think you should do what feels right and the hell with everything else.

Now that looks like fun! Way to go girl!!

Looking good!

As always I so appreciate everyone's input. I like that reference to PTSD...I think that fits. It was like a flashback...

As time goes on, I get more and more used to the new smaller me. I think I'm starting to match what I see with how I feel but then something brings me right back to the old me again. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts just now to get a Coolatta Lite. I saw it advertised the other day when I was getting an iced coffee so I figured I'd try one. I didn't see the ad in the store for it so I asked the woman behind the counter for the lite version...but I called it 'low-cal' version and suddenly, I felt like the fat girl again...all embarrased about asking for something that was lower in calories and knowing the person was thinking, 'why bother? You need alot more help than ordering a low-cal coffee drink' Now, I know this was in my head, and not in the counterperson's head. But all the old feelings came rushing back...embarrasement and guilt...and I can't help but wonder if that will ever stop. Will I always feel like a fat girl even when I know I'm not? Will those old feelings stop or am I doomed to have these feelings for ever? I even felt embarrased when I was walking with the drink in my hand. Again...felt like all eyes were on me...look at that fat chick drinking like a thousand calories. I'm sitting here back in my house and feeling horrible...and I didn't even do anything. What's wrong with me??

It will be a blast. Make sure you have someone who's opinion you value to go with you so you can get some honest feedback.